Doctor Pundit

Grande nabs first No. 1 hit

It’s the 32nd single to debut at #1 on the BB Hot 100, and it belongs to Ariana Grande. Her eleventh Top 10 smash on the chart: “Thank U, Next”

As noticed by chart-watcher Jake Rivera, “Next” is the fourth No. 1 debut of 2018, tying the record established in 1995, the first year that any single soared in at the summit. “Next” follows prior 2018 No. 1 bows for Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” (May 19) and Drake’s “Nice for What” (April 21) and “God’s Plan” (Feb. 3). The four No. 1 entrances in 1995: Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone,” Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy,” Whitney Houston’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” and Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day.”

The hit is easily her most subtle, yet accessible to date. I think it’s time for me to fire up the This Is Ariana Grande playlist on Spotify.

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